QUALITY ASSURANCE 2017 - Nordstromnordstromsupplier.com/npg/PDFs/Quality and Manufacturing/2017/N… · 1 ©2015 Nordstrom, Inc. Confidential 7/20/2017 ©2016 Nordstrom, Inc. Confidential

2 0 1 7ASSURANCE

NORDSTROM PRODUCT GROUP QUALITY ASSURANCE PROGRAM

FINAL RANDOM INSPECTIONS

July 2017

QUALITY

©2015 Nordstrom, Inc. Confidential17/20/2017

©2016 Nordstrom, Inc. Confidential

SECTION PAGE(S)

Foreword 2

Introduction - NPG Quality Assurance Team 3

Final Inspection Procedure 4-24

• Final Random Inspection Overview 4-5

• NPG Approved Inspectors 6

• Booking Form 7

• Combined Inspections 8

• Replenishment Inspections 9

• Product Inspection Process 10-12

• Product Inspection (AQL / Sampling Plan) 10

• During the Booking Stage 11

• Upon Inspectors Arrival at Factory 12

• Carton Inspection 13-14

• Carton Selection Process 13

• Carton Inspection Process 14

• Visual (Construction / Workmanship) Review 15

• Defects Judgment for Visual Check 16

• Measurements / Dimensions Review 17-22

• Measurements / Dimensions Inspection Process 17-19

• Recording Measurements / Dimensions 20-22

• On Site Test 23

• Defect Sorting and Carton Re-Sealing 24

Final Inspection Report 25-26

• Inspection Report Instructions 25

• Inspection Report Distribution 26

TABLE OF CONTENTS



For additional information, contact:

Nordstrom Product Group

Quality Assurance

1617 6th Avenue, Suite 1000

Seattle, Washington 98101

USA

[email protected]

FOREWORD

This document offers guidance on effectively implementing the Nordstrom Product

Group (NPG) Quality Assurance Program - Final Random Inspections. This

document will be used in conjunction with additional sections of the NPG Supplier

Manual located at: https://www.nordstromsupplier.com.

©2016 Nordstrom, Inc., all rights reserved.

CONFIDENTIAL: This document contains proprietary, trade secret, and confidential information

which are the property of Nordstrom, Inc. This document and the contents may not be duplicated

or disclosed to any other party without express authorization of Nordstrom, Inc.

mailto:[email protected]

https://www.nordstromsupplier.com/



NPG QUALITY ASSURANCE TEAM

Title Name Email Address

Quality Assurance Manager Open Position(continue to use this email address as the primary QA contact)

[email protected]

Director, Operations Services Abby Bueler [email protected]

Quality Assurance Communication:

Send all communication to NPG Quality Assurance Mailbox: [email protected]

Unless, requested otherwise.

Quality Assurance Team:

INTRODUCTION






FINAL RANDOM INSPECTION OVERVIEW

Final Random Inspection Overview:

• To ensure Nordstrom is shipped only first quality products that meet or exceed

Nordstrom Product Group (NPG) standards, a Final Random Inspection will be

conducted on each Purchase Order.

• A Final Random Inspection ensures conformance to documents and samples.

• A Final Random Inspection consists of:

• Product Inspection

• Visual (Construction / Workmanship) Review

• Measurements / Dimensions Review

• Carton Inspection for FOB order only

• If the quantity status doesn’t meet the statement(s) below, the inspector will call the

Operating Office for further decision.

• For initial Final Random Inspection, the goods will be 100% finished, and 80%

packed and ready to be shipped.

• For Re-Final Random Inspection, the goods will be 100% finished, and 100%

packed and ready to be shipped.

• For Non-Third Party Inspectors:

• If the quantity status doesn’t meet the statement(s) below, the inspector

will email the NPG QA mailbox for further instruction.

[email protected]

FINAL INSPECTION PROCEDURE




FINAL RANDOM INSPECTION OVERVIEW

Final Random Inspection Overview:

• NPG will be billed the cost of the Final Random Inspection with the Third Party

Service Provider, including: Normal Working Days, Saturday, Sunday, Overtime and

Traveling Time Charges.

• Under the Terms & Conditions in the Booking Form, the following exceptions will be

at the factory’s expense:

• Working / Traveling on Holiday Charge (Public holiday or local customs)

• Re-Inspection from Failed Initial Inspection

• Late Booking

• Late Revised Service Date

• Late Cancelation

• Inspection is Canceled

• A third party final random product inspection is required for ALL products except for

the following product categories listed in the table below (Out of Scope):

• For the products listed above, the expectation is that the factory will perform a final

random inspection and be responsible for the quality of the product, including any

major claims for quality.


Division Product Categories – Out of Scope

Accessories, Women's Specialized, Women's Active and Home (ACC/WSP)

• Hosiery, Socks and Jewelry –(ask Product Developer for Full Line StoreJewelry)

Footwear • All Categories

Kids & Mens • Hosiery, Socks and Ties

Women’s & Young Customer • Young Customer Accessories Hardlines(including Jewelry) and Softlines



NPG APPROVED INSPECTORS

Inspectors Approved for NPG Final Random Inspections:

• All NPG Final Random Inspections and Re-Inspections will be conducted by one of

four parties considered to be NPG approved Inspectors:

• Third Party Service Provider, contracted by NPG specifically for the purpose of

conducting Final Random Inspections and Re-Inspections.

• Agent Inspector who has been certified by NPG after going through the Supplier

Training Program (STP).

• Supplier Inspector who has been certified by NPG after going through the

Supplier Training Program (STP).

• Select Off-the-Line (OTL) Suppliers who have been granted self inspection after

meeting all requirements.

• Unless otherwise stated, all policies and procedures outlined in this document will

apply equally to all four types of NPG approved Inspectors, hereafter generally

referred to as Inspectors.

New Inspector Approvals:

• This document does not include information about becoming a NPG Certified

Inspector. The Supplier Training Program is on hold at this time.




BOOKING FORM

Third Party Service Providers:• When booking with a Third Party Service Provider, reference the booking form, booking form

example, instructions, inspection offices and contacts on the NPG Supplier Manual:

https://www.nordstromsupplier.com/NPG/qualitymfr.html

• In order to initialize the Final Random Inspection, Supplier will complete and submit an

Inspection Request Form to Bureau Veritas (BV), accompanied by documents and samples as

outlined on the Inspection Checklist, at least 3-5 business days prior to the proposed

inspection date (depending on location).

• The Booking Form contains fields that are mandatory. This critical information can be found on

the Tech Pack and/or Purchase Order (PO):

• NPG Contact (Product Developer)

• Sourcing Category

• Nordstrom Performance Specification (NPS Number)

• Manufacturer RMS Number (Nordstrom System Generated number)

• Factory RMS Number (Nordstrom System Generated number)

• If the information that is input on the Booking Form is inaccurate, it may cause a delay during

booking and subsequent issues may arise during the inspection.

• When sending in the booking form, include:

• A copy of the Nordstrom Purchase Order (manufacturer to factory Purchase Orders are

NOT accepted)

• A Production Tech Pack, including the QA Audit Measurement pages (if available)

• A Production Test Report (if available)





COMBINED INSPECTIONS

Combined Inspection Criteria:

• When there are multiple Purchase Orders, of the same style, in the same ship window,

there will be one Final Random Inspection.

• When there are multiple Purchase Orders, of the same style, in different colors and

prints, with the same measurement specs, in the same ship window, there will be one

Final Random Inspection.

• When there are multiple children’s size ranges or adult size ranges of the same style,

there will be one Final Random Inspection.

Example:

BY210000LB (little boy) and BY210000BB (big boy) can be combined.

Example:

HA200000MI and HA200000MP can be combined.

• When combining Purchase Orders, the order quantity is the sum of the Purchase

Orders and the ratio is dependent on the quantity of each Purchase Order.

Example:

BB = 400 units + LB = 200 units, total quantity = 600 units, so sample size = 80 units,

54 of which are BB and 26 are LB.

Requests for Combined Inspection Reports:

• Supplier will complete one booking Form for each anticipated Final Inspection Report.

• Supplier will email their request to combine Purchase Orders when they submit the

booking form, with all documentation for the Final Random Inspections.

• It is at the discretion of the Operating Office for Third Party Service Providers to

determine if the Purchase Orders do, indeed, meet the criteria for combined

inspections. For all other inspectors, contact the NPG Quality Assurance Mailbox, if

you have any questions: [email protected]





REPLENISHMENT INSPECTIONS

Replenishment Inspection Reports:

• When there are multiple Replenishment Orders, of the same style, there will be one

Final Random Inspection.

• Conditions:

• Supplier will write “Replenishment” and the Purchase Order number (if available) in

the line where the Purchase Order number is to be listed.

Example: “Replenishment #05662197”

• Include a copy of the Nordstrom Purchase Order or Bulk Units Spreadsheet with

the booking form. If nothing is attached, the request will be rejected.

• Final Random Inspection will be based on the total number of units that are

shipped.

• At anytime, NPG reserves the right to request additional inspections for multiple

replenishment orders with different production timelines.




PRODUCT INSPECTION PROCESS

Product Inspection (AQL / Sampling PLAN) Overview:

• NPG uses the standard criteria of ANSI /ASQ Z1.4 (ISO 2859-1) Statistical Sampling

Plan and Acceptance Quality Limit (AQL).

• The Lot Size is based on the number of units shipped.

Sampling & AQL Criteria:

• Initial Final Random Inspections & Re-Inspections will be conducted using the

following criteria:

Sampling Plan - Single

Inspection Procedure - Normal

Inspection Level - General II

AQL for Critical Defectives - Not Allowed

AQL for Major Defectives - 2.5

AQL for Minor Defectives - N/A

Pre-packed sets identified on PO: Pre-packs can contain 2 or more units. PO calls this

total units which are the number of pre-packs. AQL is determined by total number of each

individual unit: not pre-pack units.


LOT SIZE SAMPLE SIZEAQL 2.5

Accept/Reject

26 to 50 5 0 / 1

51 to 90 20 1 / 2

91 to 150 20 1 / 2

151 to 280 32 2 / 3

281 to 500 50 3 / 4

501 to 1200 80 5 / 6

1201 to 3200 125 7 / 8

3201 to 10000 200 10 / 11

10001 to 35000 315 14 / 15

Over 35000 500 21 / 22




During the Booking Stage:

The factory will provide the following to the third party office for the Final Random

Inspection:

• Nordstrom Purchase Order

• Bulk Unit Spreadsheet (for Replenishment inspections)

• Production Tech Pack and QA Audit Pages (if available)

• or Line Sheet

• Passing Production Test Report(s):

• The factory will provide a passing test report for the product in a medium to

dark colorway, and a passing test report for additional colorways (either in

fabric or garment form). If any of these test reports is rated FAIL, please

follow the below:

• If the test report is FAIL, but the supplier can provide a copy of an

email or document showing that NPG accepted the failure, the

inspector will leave a remark in the report and this does not impact the

result of the inspection.

• If the test report is FAIL, and the supplier cannot provide an email or

document showing that NPG accepted the failure, the inspector shall

rate the result of the inspection as PENDING.

• If the factory does not provide the inspector with a passing test report for both

the garment and additional colorways (either in fabric or garment form):

• the inspection will proceed

• the inspector will leave a remark in the report

• the inspection shall be rated as PENDING





Upon Inspectors Arrival at Factory:

The factory will provide the following to the inspectors for the Final Random Inspection:

• General Conformity Certificate (GCC), if applicable, or Children's Product

Certificate (CPC)

• Approved Production Sample:

• In most cases, NPG Suppliers will not have a “sealed/signed off” sample.

Based on NPG Product Developer comments, sample will be marked as

“Approve”, “Reject” or “Approve with Comments”. Supplier will attach Tech

Pack pages and/or Pre-Production meeting notes to sample.

• If Approved Production Sample is not provided, Inspector will not

commence the inspection.

• Shade Band (for Softlines only):

• If Shade Band is not provided, Inspector will rate overall Final Inspection

Report as Pass, and add comment.

• Approved Trims / Findings:

• If Approved Trims / Findings are not provided or on approved sample,

Inspector will rate overall Final Inspection Report as PENDING FOR

CLIENT DECISION, and add comment.

• Approved Packaging / Labeling

• UPC / Retail Ticket




CARTON INSPECTION


Carton Selection Process:

Inspector will:

• Select cartons that represent orders packed for all shipping locations (if multiple

locations are included in the Purchase Order).

• Select samples that represent all colors and sizes included in the Purchase Order.

• Select the number of cartons based on the criteria listed below:• If the total carton quantity ≤150, 10% of total cartons will be selected.• If the total carton quantity >150, the inspector will review the total shipment of

cartons, determine the square root (√) of that number, and round up.

• Please see the chart below for example carton selections.

# of Cartons √ (# of Cartons)

151 13

200 15

300 18

500 23



CARTON INSPECTION


Carton Inspection Process:

Inspector will:

• If the purchase type is FOB:

• Verify the total carton count of packed goods against the packing list.

• Check carton requirements and carton markings as outlined in the NPG Supplier Manual: https://www.nordstromsupplier.com/NPG/EDIcompliance.html

• Open the cartons and verify the packed count, size and color of contents against the carton label.

• Determine if the actual quantity shipped will be the same as the quantity listed on the Purchase Order. If the result is outside of the allowable tolerance (± 5%), the inspection will be rated PENDING FOR CLIENT DECISION.

• Evaluate the Carton Marking:• The following detail is required by Nordstrom to be included on the cartons:

GS1-128 carton label

DC (number)

PO number

Country of Origin

Store number (if Store Pack)

• If any of these details is missing or incorrect on the label or carton markings,

the inspection will be rated as FAIL.

• If there are other issues of non-compliance identified, the inspector will make a

remark in the report, and the inspection will be rated as PASS.

• If the purchase type is LDP, DDP, FCA:

• The inspector will NOT conduct the carton inspection, as the product(s) will

be shipped to a secondary location for final packing and shipping.

• The Inspector will rate the Carton Inspection Decision as PASS and remark

this explanation in the Final Inspection Report.

https://www.nordstromsupplier.com/NPG/EDIcompliance.html



VISUAL (CONSTRUCTION / WORKMANSHIP) REVIEW

Visual Inspection Process:

To perform a visual inspection, Inspector will:

• Select samples randomly from top, middle and bottom of carton

• Remove the product from package.

• Verify details against all documents and samples (refer to Inspection Check-List).

• In most cases, NPG Suppliers will NOT have a “sealed/signed off” Approved Production Sample.

• Based on NPG Product Developer comments, sample will be marked as “Approve”, “Reject” or “Approve with Comments”. Tech Pack pages and/or Pre-Production Meeting notes, attached to Approved Production Sample, are more accurate than sample itself.

• If the Inspector discovers a discrepancy between the Approved Production Sample and corresponding documentation (Tech Pack, email, etc.) for the label or trim, the Inspector will follow the documentation.

• Verify additional construction, workmanship, and labeling against NPG Supplier Manual. https://www.nordstromsupplier.com/NPG/qualitymfr.html

• Mark and separate visual defects.

• Although the AQL / Sampling Plan accepts and rejects based on total defective units, the Final Random Inspection also serves as a tool to evaluate corrective action and overall factory performance. Therefore, Inspector will not stop after finding one defect on a unit, but perform a full evaluation of the unit, recording all discrepancies. This may result in the possibility of identifying multiple defects per garment.





VISUAL (CONSTRUCTION / WORKMANSHIP) REVIEW

Defects Judgement for Visual Check

Recording Defects:

• Defect definition:

• Critical: A defect likely to result in a hazardous or unsafe condition for an

individual using the product or fails to meet mandatory regulations.

• Major: NPG considers all visual defects as MAJOR except Critical defect.

• Defect recording:

• Defect name + Defect location + Defect size




MEASUREMENTS / DIMENSIONS REVIEW

Measurements / Dimensions Inspection Process:

Softlines:

• Inspector will follow Measurement Methods outline in NPG Supplier Manual.

• Inspector will use a double coated fiberglass tape measure. Metal, plastic, fabric, or

retractable tape measures are not allowed. Inspector is strongly encouraged to use a

tape measure with both Imperial (inches) and Metric (centimeters), with ascending

measurements on both sides.

For apparel:

• Sample size: 4 pieces per size covering all colors (draw additional samples to cover

all sizes and colors)

• Measure one garment per size, covering all colors/prints, for all Points of

Measure

• Measure only Critical Points on remaining samples (number defined on the

Measurement Chart). Critical Points of Measure will typically be indicated by a

“C” in the “POM Type” column on the Graded Measurement Worksheet.

• If Critical Points of Measure are not indicated, they will be found in “Critical POM

list” on NPG supplier site: http://nordstromsupplier.com/npg/techdesign.html

• Username: Nordstrom2010

• Password: 2Buttons (password subject to change)

• If technical issues occur, please contact [email protected]

• Failure Criteria

• If within a single size, all measured samples are found out of tolerance in same

measurement point, or

• The total out of tolerance measurements points exceed 10% of the total

measurements, or

• If within a single size, more than 50% of the same measurement points are found

out of tolerance after repeat measurement.

• For Children Fitting Sleepwear, in addition to the measurement check, inspector

is required to verify the actual findings of 7 key measurement points (chest,

waist, seat, upper arm, thigh, wrist & ankle) should be equal to or less than the

maximum dimensions given in the CPSC standards of 16 CFR 1615/1616.

• If any sample is found with one or more points out of the maximum

dimension requirement, the result of measurement is FAIL.


http://nordstromsupplier.com/npg/techdesign.html





Measurements / Dimensions Inspection Process (continued):

Softlines:

For soft home:

• Sample size: same as apparel

• Failure Criteria: same as apparel

Accessories:

• Sample size: 4 piece per size

• Sample size (if the product is one size only): apply AQL S-2 inspection level per size

per style covering all colors. (see chart below)

• Failure Criteria: same as apparel (refer to the Sampling & AQL Criteria section under

Product Inspection Process).

Inspection Level S-2 (One Size Only):

Footwear:

• no need to conduct the measurement.


LOT SIZE SAMPLE SIZE

26 to 50 3 pieces, covering all colors









Over 35000 13 pieces, covering all colors




Measurements / Dimensions Inspection Process (continued):

Hardlines:

• Sample size: 3 samples, at least 1 sample per style.

• Result judgment:

• PASS if all actual measurements are within tolerance;

• FAIL if any actual measurement is out of client tolerance, or

• PENDING FOR CLIENT’S DECISION if client has not provided tolerance

measurements or if actual measurements are out of BV tolerance (±3% for

dimension 1M or less , ±1.5% for dimension more than 1M).





Recording Measurements / Dimensions:

For Softlines:

• If provided, Inspector will use the QA Audit page of the Tech Pack for recording

measurements.

• If not provided, Inspector will devise a measurement form. Please see the supplier site

for examples:

• http://nordstromsupplier.com/npg/qualitymfr.html

• Record the difference which the actual finding – the required data,

• e.g. for 28” half bust in the tech pack specification, the actual finding is 28 ½”,

then + ½” will be recorded in the measurement chart.

• See example below:

For Hardlines:

• The actual measurements are recorded in the “on-site” section.


http://nordstromsupplier.com/npg/qualitymfr.html




Forms for Recording Measurements / Dimensions:

Third Party Inspectors

Follow this example of a filled out form:

Please see the supplier site for an example:







Forms for Recording Measurements / Dimensions (continued):

For All Other Approved Inspectors (Agent, Direct, STP and OTL)

Please see supplier site for examples of forms filled out:






ON SITE TEST


On Site Test:

• Metal Detection Test: For ALL children’s products (12 YEARS AND UNDER & Size

Boys/Girls 0-20).

• Sample size: all samples for visual check

• Failure criteria: Not Allowed.

• Carton dimensions/weight:

• Sample size: 1 sample per type of master carton

• Recording: all actual measurement data

• Barcode verification:

• Sample size: 3 samples but at least 1 sample per each different barcode

• Failure criteria: Not Allowed.



DEFECTS SORTING AND CARTON RE-SEALING

Marking & Separating Defects:

• Inspector will mark all quality defects or deviations with colored inspection tape or

defect stickers as the inspection is performed.

• Inspector will separate the defective units into one stack, and the factory will try to

repackage as many of the good units, as possible, into the carton(s). Once this is

complete, the Inspector will seal the complete/full cartons.

• The re-sealing of the selected carton:

1 ) Generic re-sealing method

• Seal the carton with contrasting tape (BV tape or other) in an “H” pattern.

2) Special re-sealing method

• If any or all selected cartons could not be re-sealed according to the above

requirement due to any reason/condition (e.g. factory refuse to seal the cartons,

factory cannot re-pack immediately as re-processing is needed, overtime will be

caused etc.):

• Seal the carton with contrasting tape (BV tape or other) on one of side fold

edge.

3) Reporting

• Inspector should add a remark to record the cartons number which are re-

sealed by inspector in report.

• Inspector must record detailed reasons which should be from and claimed by

factory, or that is overtime will be caused in inspection report for not sealing

some or all the selected cartons by above two sealing methods, and the

inspection result can’t be affected due to this reason.

Anti-Counterfeiting (AC) Sticker:

• AC stickers must be applied by the inspector(s) when the inspected samples PASS

both workmanship and on site test verifications.

• The on-site test is for product (i.e. measurement, weight)

• The AC sticker will be applied to the PASS product

• The on-site test is not product (i.e. carton dimension/weight measurement,

carton drop test etc.)

• The AC Sticker will not be applied to anything.




INSPECTION REPORT INSTRUCTIONS

FINAL INSPECTION REPORT

The Initial Inspection:

• Third Party Inspectors to use Inspection Report: DDEI/SD069

Re-Inspection:

• Third Party Inspectors to use BV Short Inspection Report: DDEI/SD069-R

• Re-Inspection information stand along section: SD 168 (In case the Re-Inspection

Report format hasn’t the section).

Single Inspection Reports:

• In most scenarios, each Purchase Order will have one Final Random Inspection.

Multiple Inspection Reports:

• In most scenarios, where multiple styles are on one Purchase Order, there will be

multiple Final Random Inspections.

• When there are multiple Purchase Orders, of the same style, in different fabrications,

with different measurement specs, there will be multiple Final Random Inspections.

Non-Third Party Inspectors:

• Inspectors will utilize the Final Audit Form found on the NPG Supplier Manual:

• http://nordstromsupplier.com/npg/qualitymfr.html




INSPECTION REPORT DISTRIBUTION

FINAL INSPECTION REPORT

On Inspection Date:

• The inspector will:

• Leave the draft report with the factory.

Report Email Distribution:

• On the next business day following completion of the Final Random Inspection, the

third party office will:

• Send a formal report to the Supplier who requested the service.

• Upload the report into Third Party Inspectors’ System.

• Send only Held or Failed formal Reports to NPG Quality Assurance Mailbox:

[email protected]

Email Subject Header:

• For an initial Final Random Inspection, the email subject header must be as follows:

Rating – VPN (Style) Number – PO Number – Factory Name – Year – Unique

Identifier for Tracking, as assigned by the Inspector or Third Party Service Provider

Example:

Fail – GL000000BG – 12345678, 87654321 – ABC Factory – 2015 – ABC123

• For Re-Inspection, the email subject header must be as follows:

Rating – Re-Inspection – VPN (Style) Number – PO Number – Factory Name – Year –

Unique Identifier for Tracking, as assigned by the Inspector or Third Party Service

Provider

Example:

Fail – Re-Inspection – GL000000BG – 12345678, 87654321 – ABC Factory – 2015 –

ABC123


Documents

QUALITY ASSURANCE 2017 - Nordstromnordstromsupplier.com/npg/PDFs/Quality and Manufacturing/2017/N… · 1 ©2015 Nordstrom, Inc. Confidential 7/20/2017 ©2016 Nordstrom, Inc. Confidential